RÜFÜS DU SOL - Alive
Pictured: Tyrone Lindqvist, James Hunt + Jon George
Photo by: Eliot Lee Hazel - Probationagency @eliot_lee_hazel
Returning to the Airwaves with Brand New Song Alive
Written by: Darcy Moore - Sense Music Media | 16 July 2021
After three years the Sydney Electronic Trio come back with their latest track ‘Alive’. In 2018 the boys released the hugely successful album Solace with tracks such as ‘Lost In my Mind’ and ‘New Sky’.
Even though in calendar terms 3 years isn’t an exhaustive amount of time for bands to release new music, given the time loop we’re in - it definitely feels like a stretch. And given RDS’ brooding, nostalgic sensibilities in making work - ‘Alive’ feels like a long time coming.
"It’s a heavier song in some ways, but at its core it's hopeful," Lindqvist said. "We are—all of us— living in this transitional moment right now and we wanted to focus on the hope that the future holds for us all. To focus on the light at the end of this tunnel.”
It’s an ultimate Happy-Sad song; just the way we like it. The tracks pulsing, forward driven tempo parallels the songs ambitions and message of future aspirations of a normal community once again, as strange as that may seem. This combined with their signature dreamscape sounds leaves the band at the top of their game. The 5 minutes run time doesn’t outdo itself and the intro of spiky-synth notes around the 3-minute mark helps add a spooky, night-time texture and is reminiscent of KINGS OF LEON’s ‘Closer’ way back in 2008.
The Verdict
You’re not stepping a toe out of the familiar RDS waters with ‘Alive’. The song is a multiple-edged dagger of wishful thinking, appreciating the moment and simultaneously wanting to break through or go back, with a sentimental grieving sound.